How to Make Homestyle Cheese Sauce with Real Cheese

Creating a decadently rich and delicious cheese sauce can seem challenging, especially when you need to accommodate a specific quantity like two cups of shredded cheese. While cheese can be finicky, especially when it comes to melting, there are techniques and tips that can make the process smoother and more effective. This guide will walk you through the steps to make a perfect cheese sauce from scratch, using real cheese to achieve the best results.

Tackling Common Cheese Sauce Challenges

One of the most common challenges is the tendency of cheese to separate or 'break' when melted, particularly when using shredded cheese. This issue arises because the additives in pre-shredded cheese can hinder the melting process. For the best results, it's recommended to use real, freshly grated cheese. However, if shredded cheese is all you have, you can still achieve a smooth and delicious sauce with the right techniques.

A Homemade Cheese Sauce Recipe

Here's a simple recipe to make a home-style cheese sauce from scratch:

Ingredients:

2 cups of shredded cheese (real cheese is preferred) 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour 2 cups of whole milk or half-and-half Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

Melt the Butter: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. This will serve as the base of the sauce.

Create a Roux: Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk together until well combined. This mixture is called a roux and will act as the thickener for the sauce.

Whisk in the Milk: Gradually pour the milk into the roux mixture, whisking constantly to ensure a smooth texture and to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency.

Add the Cheese: Slowly stir in the shredded cheese, ensuring to thoroughly mix it into the sauce until all the cheese has melted and the sauce is fully combined.

Season and Serve: Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Serve immediately over your favorite dishes.

Understanding and Managing the Roux

A roux is a fundamental technique in making sauces, and understanding how to make it properly is key to achieving a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. A roux is made by cooking butter and flour together until a smooth paste forms. The color and texture of the roux will determine how thick and rich the final sauce will be.

Light Roux: To achieve a light roux, use an equal part of butter and flour, and cook it over low heat for a few minutes until it gets a very light beige color. Be cautious not to let it get dark, as this will result in a bitter and unpleasant taste. The light roux will produce a smooth, creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Making a cheese sauce with two cups of shredded cheese can be a rewarding endeavor, provided you follow the right steps and techniques. By using real cheese and mastering the roux technique, you can create a sauce that is both delicious and full of flavor. Whether you're serving it over macaroni and cheese, baked potatoes, or any other savory dish, a homemade cheese sauce is sure to elevate your meal to the next level.